Rice noodles

What Are Rice Noodles and What Types Exist?

Rice noodles are made from rice flour and water. Sometimes tapioca starch is added to improve texture. They are gluten-free, easy to digest, and a key ingredient in many Asian cuisines, such as Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and more. These white, semi-translucent noodles are often used in soups, saucy dishes or as a side. They come in many forms and varieties:

• Vermicelli (e.g. Bún, Sen Mee): very thin rice noodles, similar to glass noodles, used in soups, summer rolls, or salads (e.g. Bun Cha, Bun Thit Nuong).
• Flat rice noodles (e.g. Pad Thai noodles, Banh Pho): wide flat noodles (available from 2 mm up to 10 mm+) commonly used in Pad Thai or Vietnamese Pho soup.
• Ho Fun / Shahe Fun (China): originating from southern China, these wide, soft rice noodles are used in stir-fried dishes like "Beef Chow Fun."
• Kway Teow (Malaysia/Singapore): slightly thicker and softer than Ho Fun, these noodles are used in dishes like Char Kway Teow or soups.
• Dried vs. fresh rice noodles: Dried rice noodles must be soaked or cooked before use. Fresh rice noodles are soft, elastic, and ready to use.

How Are Rice Noodles Prepared?

Preparing rice noodles is quick and easy:

1. Soak: Soak rice noodles in cold water for about 20 minutes to an hour until soft.
2. Cook: Bring water to a boil in a large pot and add the soaked rice noodles. Cook for about 2–3 minutes until done.
3. Drain: Drain the noodles in a sieve and rinse with cold water.
4. Serve: Rice noodles can be served immediately with sauce, vegetables, meat or any toppings of your choice.

Note: Preparation time may vary depending on the thickness and brand of the rice noodles. Please refer to the package instructions.

Popular Rice Noodle Dishes in Southeast Asia

Rice noodles are enjoyed across Asia but are especially prevalent in Southeast Asian cuisine:

• Thailand:
  o Pad Thai – Stir-fried rice noodles with egg, tofu, shrimp or chicken, tamarind sauce, peanuts and lime
  o Pad See Ew – Wide rice noodles stir-fried with soy sauce, vegetables and meat
  o Yum Woon Sen – Thai glass noodle salad (sometimes adapted with rice noodles)
• Vietnam:
  o Pho – Rice noodle soup with beef or chicken, herbs and clear broth
  o Bun Cha – Cold rice noodles with grilled pork, fresh herbs and dipping sauce
  o Goi Cuon (summer rolls) – Fresh rice paper rolls with rice noodles, vegetables and shrimp or tofu
• China:
  o Rice noodle soup with duck – Regional variations from Yunnan or Guangdong
  o Chow Fun (Ho Fun) – Stir-fried wide rice noodles with beef, soy sauce and scallions
• Malaysia & Singapore:
  o Char Kway Teow – Stir-fried wide rice noodles with egg, sprouts, shrimp and Chinese sausage
  o Laksa – Rice noodles in spicy coconut or tamarind broth with fish or shrimp
• Indonesia:
  o Bihun Goreng – Stir-fried thin rice noodles with vegetables, egg and meat
  o Soto – Spicy soup with rice noodles, chicken and lemongrass

Why Order Rice Noodles at Asia Foodstore?

• Wide product selection: At Asia Foodstore, you can buy a large variety of Asian rice noodles in different types and widths, plus matching sauces and spices for your rice noodle dishes.
• Authentic Asian brands: Our rice noodles come from renowned Asian manufacturers like Farmer, Bamboo Tree and Gai Bao, directly imported from Thailand, Vietnam or China.
• Premium quality: The selected Asian brands at Asia Foodstore stand for authentic taste and high product quality.
• Excellent customer service: Do you have questions about our rice noodles, their preparation, or specific brands? Our expert team is happy to assist you.
• Fast shipping: Your order will arrive safely packaged within 1–3 business days. Free shipping within Germany on orders over €49.

Discover Rice Noodles at Asia Foodstore

Rice noodles are just as essential to Asian cuisine as sushi, miso or coconut milk. You can create many delicious dishes with these Asian noodles. Try them stir-fried with meat, soy sauce and vegetables, cold in a salad with fresh herbs and dip, or in a spicy soup with chicken and lemongrass.

Try different recipes and find your favorite way to enjoy rice noodles. Be inspired by our recipe section, e.g. the Pho Bo recipe, or our cooking videos. You’ll find plenty of tips and ideas for preparing rice noodles and other Asian dishes. Our shop offers a wide range of rice noodles in different widths, as well as Asian spices and sauces for your noodle creations.

Would you like to buy our rice noodles and have questions about usage or a recipe? Our team is happy to help! For questions about your order or shipping, feel free to contact us by email or via our contact form at any time.

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FAQ – Rice Noodles

Are rice noodles vegan?
Yes, rice noodles are generally vegan and gluten-free, as they are made from rice flour, water and sometimes tapioca starch. Caution: Some instant rice noodle products may contain animal-derived ingredients such as fish sauce or shrimp powder.

How do you prepare rice noodles properly?
Depending on the type, rice noodles are either soaked in hot water or briefly boiled. Afterwards, rinse them with cold water to prevent sticking.

Can rice noodles, like udon noodles, be eaten cold?
Yes, popular cold rice noodle dishes include summer rolls, Vietnamese bun dishes or Asian rice noodle salads. Cold noodles are a refreshing option on hot days.

What is the difference between thin and wide rice noodles?
Thin rice noodles (e.g. vermicelli) are ideal for salads or summer rolls, while wide rice noodles (e.g. Pad Thai or Ho Fun) are typically stir-fried with savoury sauces or used in hearty soups.

How long do rice noodles last?
Dried rice noodles last 12–24 months, frozen noodles 6–12 months, and fresh or chilled noodles 1–2 weeks in the fridge.